Side Show

Side Show, not seen in Perth for over a decade, is a gritty and emotive musical, expertly presented by WAAPA’s Third Year Music Theatre students, and designed built and crewed by WAAPA Production and Design students.

Set initially in a seedy sideshow in depression era Texas, Side Show tells the story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, who, plucked from the poverty of the sideshow after an abusive childhood, were for a time the toast of the Vaudeville circuit. The beautifully realised set design from Charli Strickland focuses on the so called “Freaks” of the side show, who are brought to life with help from costume designer Emily Chong. 

The two leading ladies, Madeleine Betts (Violet) and Taao Buchanan (Daisy), sing superbly, act convincingly, and work well together to create the illusion of conjoined twins, simply using proximity. So convincing were their performances that when they moved apart during a dream sequence, there was an audible gasp from the audience who were both fully immersed in the story and perhaps convinced that their costumes were sewn together. They are worthy heroines, beautifully fleshed out characters and anchor the show superbly.

The men in their lives are also wonderfully portrayed. Justin Wise brings maturity and depth to Terry Connor, in love with Daisy, but unable to face life with her, with Harry Fenn bringing a very layered performance (and some great dance skills) to Buddy Foster, a man who cannot love Violet the way she needs. Peter Ho is superb, bringing a gorgeous voice to Jake, a man who loves Violet but who is the victim of miscegenation laws and prejudice. Matt Hourigan is strong as controlling ‘Sir’, who has legal guardianship of the sisters.

The ensemble is strong, with most performers playing multiple and varied roles. Memorable cameos include Anthony Garcia’s Ray, Lily Hones’ controlling Auntie, Ariana Rigazzi’s Fortune Teller, Brittany Carter’s dexterity as the modern Venus de Milo and Jackson Britta’s sympathetic Houdini. Singing throughout is strong, and Tyrone Earl Lraé Robinson’s era appropriate choreography is nicely executed.

Musical director Craig Dalton leads a talented orchestra, most of whom are current WAAPA students and sound is well managed as designed by Eloise Whibley.

A polished, thoughtful production that enthralled the audience throughout, Side Show is a treat of a show that augers well for this cohort of performers and creatives.

Kimberley Shaw